Cold-formed steel angles are precision-manufactured L-shaped structural steel sections produced by cold bending steel strip or plate at ambient temperature. Available in both equal-leg and unequal-leg configurations, cold-formed angles offer significantly tighter dimensional tolerances, sharper corner radii and a smoother surface finish compared to their hot-rolled counterparts. ULAMEX supplies cold-formed angle sections in structural steel grades S235JR and S355J2 per EN 10025-2, stocked in standard lengths of 6,000 mm for immediate dispatch. These profiles bridge the gap between heavy structural steel angle sections and precision-formed sheet metal components.
Material Grades and Standards
Cold-formed steel angles from ULAMEX are manufactured from non-alloy structural steel conforming to EN 10025-2. Two grades are maintained in stock:
- S235JR (material number 1.0038) — yield strength minimum 235 MPa, tensile strength 360–510 MPa, Charpy V-notch impact energy 27 J at +20°C. The former St37-2 designation (DIN 17100) and equivalent to ASTM A36, this grade is the default choice for general construction, light framing, and fabrication work where standard strength is sufficient.
- S355J2 (material number 1.0577) — yield strength minimum 355 MPa, tensile strength 470–630 MPa, impact toughness 27 J at -20°C. Formerly St52-3, comparable to ASTM A572 Grade 50, specified for higher-strength applications and structures exposed to low-temperature environments.
The cold-forming process involves bending steel strip or plate in a press brake or roll-forming line without heating. This strain-hardening effect slightly increases the yield strength in the bend zone while maintaining the ductility and weldability of the parent material. The carbon equivalent (CEV) remains well below 0.45 for both grades, ensuring compatibility with all standard welding methods — MIG/MAG, MMA (electrode), TIG, and submerged arc welding.
Cold-formed angles are produced in accordance with EN 10162 (Cold rolled steel sections — Technical delivery conditions) and EN 10219-2 where applicable. Material properties conform to EN 10025-2, with tolerances typically tighter than those of hot-rolled angles per EN 10056-2.
Dimensions and Specifications
Cold-formed angle sections are available in a comprehensive range of sizes in both equal-leg and unequal-leg configurations:
- Equal-leg cold-formed angles — leg dimensions from 20×20 mm to 100×100 mm, with wall thicknesses from 2.0 to 8.0 mm depending on leg size. Typical sizes include 20×20×2, 25×25×3, 30×30×3, 40×40×3, 40×40×4, 50×50×4, 50×50×5, 60×60×5, 60×60×6, 80×80×6, and 100×100×8 mm.
- Unequal-leg cold-formed angles — common configurations include 40×20×3, 50×30×4, 60×40×4, 60×40×5, 80×40×5, 80×60×6, and 100×50×6 mm.
Key dimensional advantages of cold-formed angles over hot-rolled equivalents include sharper internal corner radii (typically 1–2× wall thickness versus 3–5× for hot-rolled), tighter thickness tolerances (±0.2 mm vs. ±0.5–1.0 mm), and superior straightness. Standard length is 6,000 mm. Cut-to-size is available on request. Weight per metre varies by cross-section — for example, a 50×50×5 cold-formed angle weighs approximately 3.77 kg/m.
Applications of Cold-Formed Steel Angles
The precision and surface quality of cold-formed angles make them the preferred choice over hot-rolled angle steel in applications where dimensional accuracy, aesthetic appearance or reduced weight are important considerations:
- Facade and cladding substructures — cold-formed angles serve as support brackets and connection elements in ventilated facade systems, curtain wall subframes, and rainscreen cladding installations. Their tight tolerances ensure precise alignment of cladding panels and reliable connection to the primary structure.
- Furniture, fittings and shopfitting — shelving supports, display brackets, equipment mounting angles, and structural elements for modular furniture systems. The smooth, clean surface requires minimal preparation before powder coating or painting.
- Lightweight steel framing (LSF) — cold-formed angles complement C-sections and Z-sections in lightweight steel frame construction for commercial buildings, mezzanine floors, modular construction, and residential extensions.
- Solar mounting and photovoltaic systems — angle brackets and support elements for rooftop and ground-mounted PV arrays, where the combination of precise geometry and corrosion-protected surfaces ensures long-term structural performance.
- HVAC and building services — duct support brackets, cable tray connections, pipe hangers, and equipment mounting frames in mechanical and electrical building services installations.
- Machine guards and enclosures — frame elements for safety guarding, machine enclosures, and protective barriers in industrial environments, where the smooth profile minimises injury risk from sharp edges.
- Agricultural and horticultural structures — greenhouse framing, fencing supports, gate construction, and general agricultural building components where lighter sections are appropriate.
- General fabrication and prototyping — cold-formed angles are widely used in workshop fabrication for brackets, frames, jigs, fixtures, and prototype structures where fast, accurate assembly is valued.
Technical Properties
Cold-formed steel angles combine the structural properties of carbon steel grades S235JR and S355J2 with the manufacturing advantages of the cold-forming process. The resulting profiles offer a distinct set of technical characteristics:
The cold work hardening effect in the bend zone increases local yield strength by approximately 10–20% compared to the flat material, while the overall elongation at break remains within specification. This localised strengthening enhances the load-bearing capacity of the corner region without compromising ductility for post-forming fabrication operations.
The surface finish of cold-formed angles is significantly smoother than that of hot rolled steel sections, as there is no mill scale formation. This provides better paint adhesion and reduced preparation time for surface treatment. Cold-formed angles are suitable for hot-dip galvanising (ISO 1461), powder coating, wet paint systems (ISO 12944), and electroplating (zinc, nickel).
Weldability is excellent for both grades. Standard welding procedures per EN 1011-2 apply without preheating for typical wall thicknesses. However, welding in or immediately adjacent to the cold-formed bend zone requires attention — the heat-affected zone should be kept away from the sharpest radius where possible, or stress-relief treatment considered for critical applications.
Physical constants: density 7,850 kg/m³, elastic modulus 210,000 MPa, thermal expansion 12 × 10⁻⁶ /K, thermal conductivity approximately 50 W/(m·K).
Quality and Certification
ULAMEX operates under EN 1090 certification and ISO 3834-2 quality management. All cold-formed angle sections are supplied with full material traceability. A mill test certificate 3.1 per EN 10204 is available on request, documenting chemical analysis, mechanical test results, and heat number for complete traceability from steel mill to project site.
Incoming goods inspection, controlled storage, and systematic lot tracking ensure that every delivery meets the specified grade and dimensional requirements. CE marking per the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 is provided for all structural steel products.
Ordering and Delivery
Cold-formed steel angles are maintained in permanent warehouse stock at ULAMEX in all standard sizes and both grades (S235JR and S355J2). Standard stock length is 6,000 mm. Cut-to-size sawing is available for custom requirements.
As a specialist steel supplier and steel sections wholesale distributor with over 35 years in the European market, we provide competitive wholesale conditions for volume orders and framework agreements. Deliveries are made across Europe, with express service to the DACH region, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Benelux.
For heavy-duty structural applications requiring larger cross-sections and thicker legs, see our hot-rolled angle steel. Explore the complete structural steel sections range or request a quote for cold-formed angles tailored to your project specifications.